Dawson, Paladin lose 8-5 to Arkansas Diamonds

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

60-and-over Cactus division

Mike Dawson, from the 60-and over Tucson Old Timers, started and pitched four innings for the Paladin today inside the Hohokam Stadium in Mesa and absorbed the loss to the Arkansas Diamonds, 8-5 in the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

"We fought back in the later innings and scored four runs in the ninth, but it wasn't enough," Dawson said. Mike went 0 for 2 today at the plate and scored a run, while teammate John Mathews (also from the Tucson Old Timers) batted once, played right field and hit a long fly ball out to right field.

"Just not getting enough at bats," Mathews said, after the game. "We do have one more game tomorrow, but it looks like we won't make the playoffs. Should be back home playing for the TOTS on Friday."

Trick or Treat at Udall Park

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

OK. Don't get me started. On second thought get me started.

The 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers played their Halloween Game at Udall Park this morning. It was down hill from there. The goblins were definitely out in force in the person of old men who just don't know any better.

First off, one of the Tucson Old Timers, 76-year-old Miguel Urtaza — our only player from south of the border...somewhere down in Mexico where they celebrate Halloween on a different day, something called "The Day of the Dead" —  shows up in the dugout as a Nun -- not just any Nun, but a pregnant Nun  (don't lose me here, please).

One of our normal players, Ron Carlson, a 71-year-old catcher, closes his eyes, smiles and says, "I've seen the Flying Nun, but never a pregnant Nun!"

So, the game begins with some players muttering under their breath, "why bother?"

By the middle of the game, Urtaza returns. He may have gone to a nunnery to change clothes. Who knows? Urtaza, a New York Yankee fan at heart, shows up in a new costume. This time he has on a Los Angeles Angels jersey and he's suddenly turned into Mike Trout.

There is still a game to be played, only the guy calling balls and strikes is none other than 81-year-old TOT Robert Royer, who is disguised as a blind umpire. As the game proceeds, balls are called strikes and strikes are called balls. Things have gone from bad to worse and it is not even nightfall yet.

There was a game played. Team White won 7-2 over Team Blue as joltin' Joe Opocensky goes the distance and picks up the win, while Ron Ryan hurls the first three innings and is saddled with the loss. The hard-throwing Reed Palmer comes on in the fourth, without a costume on -- I may add --  and puts out the fire the rest of the way.

By the sixth inning, the game turns into the "bewitching" hour and by the seventh inning every one on the field assumes Babe Ruth himself will show up. After Miguel's antics, having Ruth step to the plate seems almost like a normal conclusion to the game.

One thing is for certain, the old-timers will be home in a few hours. They will shower, find their favorite chair, sit down and await the real goblins -- the kids in the neighborhood. Little will the children know the "real fun" happened hours ago at Udall Park.


Photo: The TOTS' only Nun. May he rest in peace.

Paladin gets first win at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

60-and-over Cactus division

Glenn Vann, who pitched for the 65-and-over runner-up Tucson Toros a week earlier, pitched for the 60-and-over Paladin today and got the win in a 15-7 victory over the previously-unbeaten DFW Phillies in the second game of doubleheader in Tempe today at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

John Mathews, from the Tucson Old Timers, went 1 for 3 and scored a run to help out in Paladin's first win of the tournament. In the first game of the doubleheader, Paladin lost 5-2 to a tough LA Athletics team -- a team which plays most of their games in a higher division.

When a matchup occurs at the MSBL World Series involving one team from a higher-up division the lower seeded team isn't penalized during the round-robin games if they lose, but they do pick up points if they happen to win the game. Total points are important for seeding purposes at the end of round robin play. Two points are awarded for each win during a five or six game round-robin. As always, the more wins a team obtains the better and the total runs allowed during the week also matter in case of tiebreakers.

Whew! Enough of the technical stuff.

Both Mathews and Mike Dawson, who picked up just one at bat today, are hoping for more at bats tomorrow as the Paladin take on the Arkansas Diamonds at Hohokam Stadium at 10 a.m. in Mesa.

A win by the Paladin tomorrow and again in their final round-robin game on Thursday at 2  p.m. against the Dragons at Riverview Park in Mesa would bring all of that technical stuff above in play for a playoff berth.

Photo: Two members of 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers Mike Dawson (on left) and John Mathews (on right) at the MSBL World Series this week.

Paladin finds the going rough at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

60-and-over Cactus division


Paladin from Albuquerque took it on the chin in first day action at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series, dropping a doubleheader by identical scores, 13-6.

The Valcanoes knocked off Paladin in Game 1 at Papago Park and the LV Moondogs did the same in Game 2. The 60-and-over Cactus division is filled with good teams at the senior world series and playing doubleheaders is the norm. Paladin has a twin bill again tomorrow with a game inside Tempe Diablo Stadium at 9:00 a.m. against the LA Athletics and a 12:30 p.m. game outside the stadium on annex field #2 against the DFW Phillies.

John Mathews and Mike Dawson are the two players on the Paladin roster from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers. Mathews is playing in his second senior world series and Dawson is getting his feet wet for the first time.

Today, Dawson played mostly at the shortstop position and made some stellar defensive plays. He batted just four times in the two games, but went 1 for 4 and knocked in a run. Mathews batted three times and was used mainly in the outfield.

"I put the ball in play every time up, but couldn't get anything going," Mathews said. "They certainly call the outside pitch. You need to be ready."

As for Dawson, he's enjoying his first-ever senior world series. "It's a lot of fun, but I hope we can win two tomorrow and get back on track."

Dawson and Mathews will have six games in the books by the end of play on Thursday with the doubleheader tomorrow and single games the following two days. After that, it's on to the playoffs on Friday if Paladin qualifies.

The magic offerings of Maldonado

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Pete Maldonado is a 66-year-old pitcher on the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers baseball team. He throws right-handed and, like most senior citizens, he doesn't have a 94-mile-an-hour fastball.

But what he can do is throw strikes and at times some of his pitches seem magical. "I throw a lot of garbage" says Maldonado, who hails from New York and grew up in the da Bronx. "Sometimes the pitches break and some times they don't break at all."

Every once in a while a pitch will disappear on the way to the plate. Well, not really. But Maldonado has a rubber arm and he can pitch twice a week if called upon. It's up to the TOTS' batters to turn Maldonado's magical offerings into base hits.

Today at Udall Park, Maldonado's pitches seemed to have a mind of their own. Some broke left, some broke right and some just fell off the table, so to speak, and left the batter swinging at air.

Maldonado wins some and he loses some as a member of the Tucson Old Timers' pitching staff, but one thing is always the same with the "Man from the Bronx." He throws strikes.

"I hate to walk anybody," Maldonado admits. Today he even apologized to Team White batter Pigpen Price, who drew a walk on a 3-2 pitch.

"Pete pitched well today," Price said. "He walked me once but that was about it. I just returned from two weeks from playing in the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series in Phoenix and Pete gave me more trouble than the pitchers I faced up there."

The Team White batters had trouble squaring up on Maldonado all day and Team Blue walked away with a 7-4 win.

The only Team White player who had Maldonado's number was Pistol Pete Peters, another returnee from the Phoenix tournament, who went 3 for 3 today in a losing cause. Joltin' Joe Opocensky, just back from a runner-up finish with his Tucson Toros teammates at the MSBL World Series, went 3 for 3 today to help support Maldonado, while teammate Bob Daliege, another returnee from the senior World Series, knocked in three runs for the winners.

The TOTS will be back in action on Wednesday at Udall Park. Game time: 9 a.m.

Red Sox win 9th World Series title

2018 MLB World Series

Game 5


The Boston Red Sox won their ninth World Series title with a 5-1 win in Game 5 tonight in Los Angeles over the Dodgers. The Red Sox hit four homers to seal the deal -- two by Steve Pearce, one by Mookie Betts and another from J.D. Martinez.

David Price goes seven innings and picks up the win, while Clayton Kershaw hurled seven innings for the Dodgers and is saddled with the loss. Boston's ace Chris Sale shuts down the Dodgers 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth.

Congrats, to the Red Sox.

To my readers on Bookemdanosports

A note from the author

of  Bookemdanosports

Just a quick note to all my readers. My blog, Bookemdanosports, has been around since the summer of 2009 and today we reached 3,400 post and we are closing in on a quarter of a million views.

Now, in the grand scheme of things the stats are not overwhelming, but for an unknown 73-year-old blogger, who lives in the old southwest in the laid-back town of Tucson, Arizona, well, it seems meaningful.

My stories are not earth shattering, nor are they for everyone. I write about the local, regional and sometimes national senior athlete over the age of 50 with an emphasis on baseball, would you believe. As an example, I write about the characters on a local 60-and-over baseball team. The old-time ballplayers play three days a week at a city park. The backstop behind home plate has a sign attached with the words: "Home of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers."

Yes, there are stands behind the backstop. The playing field is maintained by city employees with a lot of help from members of the Tucson Old Timers who drag the field with a motorized tug. The members of the baseball club hose down the infield and line the field before every ball game ( and there are many of those, three days a week -- all 52 weeks -- year after year). The baseball club was founded fifty years ago, back in the summer of 1968.

For a retired sports writer with a lot of time on his hands, I find myself in the right place at the right time and I have plenty to write about when I focus on a bunch of "crazy old dudes" who play for the love of the game.

There are so many stories out there on these characters. All you have to do, if you know their name, is to google them on the Internet and you can read about their exploits. Many of them have nicknames, and yes, I plead guilty. I came up with the nicknames. Take for instance, my nickname on the team is Pigpen. Type those six letters and you'll probably get a picture of a pig, but you'll also see a connection to the Tucson Old Timers or to the blog itself, Bookemdanosports.

There are family members or acquaintances, from Los Angeles to North Carolina, who tune in, if you will, to follow the exploits of the Tucson Old Timers, better known as the TOTS. Now if you google TOTS, you'll get plenty of responses, some about the amateur baseball club or maybe you'll get a connection to Toys "R" US. Or, just maybe, you'll hit on a site to find a Christmas toy for your grandchild. But, chances are good, very good, that you'll hit on a pop up, which will take you to Bookemdanosports and put you in a world...a world where old baseball players live.

Once again, a big "thank you" to all my readers.

Wildcats stun Oregon, 44-15

Arizona Wildcats Football


The Arizona Wildcats (4-5, 3-3) stunned the 19th-ranked Oregon Ducks tonight 44-15 in Tucson.

Quarterback Khalil Tate was back in the lineup and threw three touchdown passes -- two to Shawn Poindexter and one to Shun Brown. The Wildcats ran their uptempo attack to perfection and used a balance offense to get it done as JJ Taylor rushed for 212 yards on 30 carries and two scores.

The Arizona defense played well for all four quarters. Crisp tackling and a goal line stand in the final minute of play.

Way to go, Wildcats!

Next up: Colorado at Arizona Friday, Nov. 2.

Boston closes in on World Series title

2018 MLB World Series

Game 4


The Boston Red Sox move to within one game of a World Series title with a 9-6 win over the LA Dodgers tonight in Los Angeles. Steve Pearce collected two hits for the Red Sox and knocked in four runs.Yasiel Puig hit a three-run homer for the Dodgers.

Sacramento Stars win 73-and-over MSBL title

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

The Sacramento Stars beat the South Dakota Rushmores 6-4 this afternoon at Fitch Park in Mesa to grab the championship ring at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

The Stars reached the final this morning with a 5-4 win over the Ohio Classics, while the Rushmores grabbed a spot in the final with a 21-4 win over the Virgin Islands.

Note: Seem's to be a discrepancy in the final score, but that happens frequently at the MSBL World Series as the results come in garbled from time to time between the newsletter and the actual scores. But no mistake about it, the Stars win the ring. Congrats, to them.

It's time for Mathews, Dawson to shine at 60-and-over MSBL World Series in Phoenix

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

60-and-over division

Palidan from Albuquerque

It's time for Big John Mathews and Mike "Mr. Smoothie" Dawson to shine at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series in Phoenix as the dynamic duo from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers baseball club pack their bags on Sunday and head north.

Palidan opens play on Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Papago Park against the Valcanoes.

It'll be Mathews second MSBL World Series and Dawson's first.

Dawson, 63, is an all around player for the TOTS and plays a smooth shortstop, similar to a former great player on the TOTS, Ed Rife. Mathews is a tall, hard-hitting first baseman who bats right-handed and throws left.

Seven players from the TOTS, Pigpen Price, Pete Peters, Bob Daliege, Bill Mishler, Lloyd Barzell, Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky have completed action during the last two weeks at the MSBL World Series.

The fun is still ahead for Mathews and Dawson.

Go get 'em, guys!

Photos: (top) Mathews, (bottom) Dawson

Pigpen bats .471 in first MSBL World Series in 73-and-over division

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division (the last of the divisions)

Pigpen Price played for the newly-formed San Antonio Red Sox this week at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series in the oldest division -- the 73-and-over division.

"I had a great time at the senior World Series in Phoenix this year," Price said, after completing his 11th game in 12 days -- six games in the 70-and-over division and five games in the 73-and-over codger's division.

Price went 8 for 17 and three walks this week in the five games for a respectable .471 average.

"I can't wait til next year," Price added. "Participating every day for two weeks with my teammates, all of us playing for the love of the game."

Photo: Pigpen

Muncy a 18th-inning walk-off homer in Game 3 of World Series

The 2018 MLB World Series

Game 3 in Los Angeles


Max Muncy hits a solo home run over the left fence in the bottom of the 18th inning as the LA Dodgers survive the longest game in World Series history with a 3-2 win over the Boston Red Sox.

A tough loss for Boston and especially for Nathan Eovaldi, who pitched six innings in relief and threw 97 pitches -- one too many to Muncy.

Boston still up in the World Series, 2-1.

Toros lose in semifinal at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros


After going 6-0 at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix, the Tucson Toros lose a heart breaker today 5-2 at Hohokam Park to the Chicago Grays. The Grays advanced to the championship game (the results not in as of 5 p.m. today).

Still, a very good showing by the Toros. Thunder Tim Tolson, a member of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, had two hits for the Toros, while Joe Opocensky, another member of the TOTS, went 0 for 1. Tino Neverez, from the Arizona Rattlers, was saddled with the loss today.

Good job, Toros!

Note: The Chicago Grays go on to win the MSBL title yesterday at Fitch Park in Mesa with a 7-6 win over the San Diego Aztecs.

Red Sox rally falls short at MSBL World Series finale

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

San Antonio Red Sox


The San Antonio Red Sox lost their final game of the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series 11-9 today at Fitch Park in Mesa to the South Dakota Rushmores. The Red Sox finish 1-4 in pool play and fail to qualify for the playoffs in the 73-and-over division.

Third baseman Pigpen Price went 3 for 4 today, knocked in a run and scored twice, but it wasn't enough as the Texans lose and the Rushmores advance to the playoffs on Saturday.

Price's partner in crime all week, catcher Reese Wellmann from Cub Hill, Maryland did a little bit of everything today with a single, a line out, a walk, reached base after being hit in the shin and spent his share of time behind the plate, catching the offerings of Bill Burgess, from Adkins, Texas.

It looked like the Red Sox were going to rally in the ninth inning, just like they did the day before when they came from behind to beat the San Diego Padres 11-10 on a bases loaded walk-off double.

Unfortunately, the Red Sox top hitter Wayne Westphal, who had four hits on the day, grounded into a double play in the ninth after Price had singled and scored to pull San Antonio to within two runs. With the tying run on base Peter Kolopenuk, from Alberta, Canada, struck out to end the game.

Still a respectable showing for the newly-formed Red Sox team, coached by David J. Sweeten from Kerrville, Texas, especially the last two games when they split games with the top two teams in the 73-and-over division, the San Diego Padres and the Rushmores.

Tolson and Opocensky having a ball at the MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros

Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky, members of the Tucson Old Timers, are playing for the 65-and-over Tucson Toros this week at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series in Phoenix.

The dynamic duo are two wins away from a championship ring.

Go, Tim and Joe...and go Toros!

The David J. Sweeten story

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

San Antonio Red Sox

David J. Sweeten, 73, hails from Kerrville, Texas and is the manager of the newly-formed 73-and-over Men's Senior Baseball League World Series team, the San Antonio Red Sox.

Sweeten, a CPA who has handled accounts of pro ballplayers -- including his No. 1 client Joe Morgan, started putting his current MSBL World Series team together back in late February.

Sweeten's Red Sox took it on the chin during the first three games of the MSBL World Series in Phoenix this week -- losing to the Sacramento Stars, the Virgin Islands and the Tri Valley Vets, a northern California team.

Then came Game 4 on Thursday in Surprise, Arizona at the Kansas City Royals spring training home. Sweeten's Red Sox went up against a MSBL World Series perennial power, the San Diego Padres.

"We will remember this game forever," said a smiling Sweeten, after the game. "It was a team effort. Everybody contributed -- timely hits, diving catches, great defense, gutsy pitching. It's why we play the game."

The Red Sox won 11-10 on a walk-off, bases loaded double by first baseman Wayne Westphal. Time had expired midway through the inning and with two outs and the winning run on first base Westphal, Sweeten's buddy from Hunt, Texas, put the Red Sox players into a frenzy with a slashing hit over the head of the San Diego center fielder.

Finally, the Red Sox had their first win. And it wasn't just a win, but a victory every member of the San Antonio team will remember for a long, long time. In the near future, chances are one or two old codgers will be sitting around a coffee shop in their hometown and one Red Sox player will say to the other, "Do you remember when...at the 2018 MSBL World Series on a hot and sunny October day?"

"I know I'll never forget the game," Sweeten added. "There are games you remember and games you forget. This one will be in the back of my mind forever."

Teammate Reese Wellman, from Cub Hill, Maryland, has been a friend of Sweeten's for many years and he watched his manager leave the dugout yesterday after the win. "I have never seen David so happy."

The happy ending in Surprise, Arizona yesterday is the reason old-timers still play the game. They play for the love of the game.


Photo: Sweeten (#10), far right, top row.

Tucson Toros win playoff game, reach semifinals at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros


The Tucson Toros beat the Puget Sound Mariners 14-4 in the first round of the playoffs today at the Papago Park Complex in Phoenix to advance to tomorrow's semifinals and go up against the Chicago Grays at Hohokam Park at 9:15 a.m.

If the Toros win the semifinal they will advance to the final at Fitch Park in Mesa at 1 p.m. and will take on the winner of tomorrow's semifinal, pitting the Colorado Stars against the San Diego Aztecs.

In today's playoff game, Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky (both from the Tucson Old Timers) drew the collar and were a combined  0 for 7. Glenn Vann picked up the pitching victory for the Toros. Vann is 2-0 at the World Series as is his teammate, Arnold Mares.

The Toros have won six games at the senior World Series. The Toros are just two wins away from an MSBL title and the championship rings.

Pickle Juice does the job for Pigpen at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

Pigpen Price played in his 10th game today at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. Cramping issues are front and center with the lone representative from the Tucson Old Timers, who is playing for the 73-and-over San Antonio Red Sox for the first time.

"It's been a struggle this week with the cramping issues, but today I finally contributed with a double in the fourth and a single with two outs in the final inning," Price said.

Price scored twice during the game, but the run in the final inning was the biggie as the run closed the gap to 10-8. Price's teammates followed with a single, a hit, and a hit-batsman to load the bases for the Red Sox top hitter Wayne Westhphal who cleared the bases for a 11-10 walk-off win over the San Diego Padres.

"It was all in the pickle juice," says Price, who downed a small bottle of the juice before the game along with 1200mg of extra-strength Tylenol. "That did the trick and at least the pain went away for three hours.”

Price added, "When I get back to Tucson, I'm going to buy me a case of that stuff.”

The two hits by Price today gives him more of a respectable showing for the week with five hits in 13 official trips to the plate and two walks for a .384 batting average for four games.

Photo: Pigpen

Team effort leads to walk-off win for 73-and-over Red Sox

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

San Antonio Red Sox


A team effort led to a walk-off win at the MSBL World Series for the 73-and-over San Antonio Red Sox today in Surprise, Arizona.

The Red Sox, down 10-7 with two outs in the bottom of the eighth inning to the always tough San Diego Padres, put together a furious comeback when Pigpen Price (from the Tucson Old Timers) reached on a single to left and scored to make it 10-8. The Red Sox followed with another hit, a walk and a hit-batsman to load the bases and that brought up Wayne Westphal from Hunt, Texas, who already had three hits in the game.

Time had expired midway through the inning and it was do or die for the winless Red Sox. The Red Sox decided to do and not die.

Westphal made it a perfect 4 for 4 day with a slashing liner to the gap in left-center field and all three runs scored -- included the tying run from pinch runner Bill Burgess, from Adkins, Texas and the winning run in the person of Jimmy Fleming, from Shohomish, Washington, who scampered all the way from first base for the game-winner.

It was a good day for everyone in the Red Sox lineup -- including Reese Wellmann, from Cub Hill, Maryland and Pigpen Price. Wellmann went 2 for 4 and drove in two runs, while Price, still nursing muscle spasms in his right leg, doubled in the fourth and started the rally in the eighth with a single to left.

David Sweeten, from Kerrvile, Texas, matched Westphal with another perfect 4 for 4 at the plate. Two defensive plays in the seventh inning -- a grab at first by Westphal on a hard hit ball and a diving catch by Price at third -- helped snuff out a Padres' rally.

The Red Sox play another top team tomorrow as they go up against the South Dakota Rushmores at 12:45 p.m. at Fitch Park in Mesa. Chances are slim for the Red Sox (1-3) to advance to the playoffs, but a win tomorrow over the Rushmores could makes things very interesting. By beating the Padres (1-3) the Red Sox have the upper hand with a head-to-head tie breaker. But chances are the 0-3 start at the senior World Series by the Red Sox will probably keep them out of the playoffs.

Red Sox beat the Dodgers...again

2018 MLB World Series

Game 2


The Boston Red Sox win at home tonight with a 4-2 victory over the LA Dodgers to move to 2-0 in the 2018 MLB World Series.

Davis Price gets the win for Boston. The Dodgers were held to just three hits. Ian Kinsler, the former Tucson Canyon del Oro product, went 1 for 3 and drove in a run.

The World Series continues on Friday in Los Angeles.

Tucson Toros remain unbeaten at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros

The Tucson Toros beat the Puget Sound Mariners 10-4 today at the Salt River Complex in Scottsdale to move to 5-0 at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

Tim Tolson (Tucson Old Timers) went 2 for 4 today and Joe Opocensky (Tucson Old Timers) walked once and scored a run. Arnold Mares (Tucson Old Pueblo Club) was the winning pitcher and is now 2-0 at the senior World Series.

The Toros qualify for the playoffs and are the only team with an unblemished record in the 65-and-over Cactus division.

The Toros await their playoff foe. They will need to win three more games to grab the title -- a playoff game on Thursday and then a doubleheader on Friday.

Photo: Tim Tolson went 2 for 4 today as the Tucson Toros move to 5-0 at the MSBL World Series.

The Wellmann-Pigpen Connection

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

San Antonio Red Sox

Reese Wellmann from Cub Hill, Maryland and Danny "Pigpen" Price from Tucson, Arizona have been playing together at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series for five years. They are pals once a year in October. They get down and dirty and give it all they got despite being in their middle 70s.

Today at the Salt River Complex, spring home of the Colorado Rockies/Arizona Diamondbacks, the duo acted like they knew what they were doing.

With the bases loaded in the third inning, Wellmann, who started the game behind the plate, unleashed a throw to Price at third who applied the tag on the runner for a successful pickoff play.

"I looked into his eyes (Price's of course) and we had the runner picked off by two feet," Reese said.

As for Price, he thought it was a perfect throw. "It was right on the money."

That was the good news in today's game against the Tri Valley Vets. The bad news: The 73-and-over San Antonio Red Sox took it on the chin once again, losing 10-6 and fall to 0-3 in the tournament.

It just wasn't in the cards today for the Red Sox, despite a gutsy effort from lefty Bill Burgess from Adkins, Texas, who pitched nine strong innings and was saddled with the loss.

"It wasn't the pitcher's fault," said Price, after the game. "Just too many errors and not enough key hits. "It makes it tough when you have to get five outs to get out of an inning (in other words -- too many miscues)."

For some more bad news: The Red Sox still have two games left and must face the two best teams in the division -- the San Diego Padres and the South Dakota Rushmores.

Photos: of Reese Wellmann (top) and Pigpen Price (bottom) under less stressful conditions away from the ball park.

Note: Wellmann went 2 for 3 today with a walk and Price went 1 for 3 and a walk.

Dodger win Game 1 of MLB World Series

2018 MLB World Series


The Boston Red Sox grab Game 1 of the World Series with a 8-4 win yesterday at Fenway Park in Boston.

Andrew Benintendi had four hits and pinch-hitter Eduardo Nunez hit a three-run homer to lead the Dodgers. Clayton Kershaw was saddled with the loss and Matt Barnes picked up the win in relief of Chris Sale.

Note: Originally reported the wrong winning team. Sorry about that. Things moving to fast at the MSBL World Series. Changed the error.

Tucson Toros are 4-0 at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros


The Tucson Toros are at the top of the heap in the 65-and-over Central Division with a 4-0 record in pool play, after a 21-4 win today over the Milwaukee Braves at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

Joe Opocensky and Tim Tolson, both from the Tucson Old Timers, continue to produce. Opocensky went 3 for 4 today out at Goodyear, while Tolson went 1 for 4 and drove in two runs.

The Toros will try to make it five in row Wednesday at the Salt River Complex in Scottsdale when they battle the Puget Sound Mariners at 1:30 p.m.

Texans fall to Virgin Islands

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

San Antonio Texans


Nothing went right at Riverview Park in Mesa today as the 73-and-over San Antonio Texans were walloped by the Virgin Islands, 24-7, in second-round action at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

The Virgin Islands have scored 44 runs in their two wins and find themselves at the top of the heap in the division as play resumes again on Wednesday. As for the Texans, they need a win badly and will meet another winless team, the Tri Valley Vets, at the Salt River Complex tomorrow at 9:30.

Something has got to give. One team will get their first win and one team will fall to 0-3 and their playoff hopes will vanish.

Pigpen Price from the Tucson Old Timers continues to nurse a hamstring injury and went 0 for 4 today. Price reached base once and scored a run. And that was about it. Price is 2 for 8 after two games.

"I have eight games in at the senior World Series this year," Price said. "I'll have to gut it out the rest of the way with still three games left in pool play."

73-and-over San Antonio Texans roster includes players from all over the country

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and over division

David Sweeten from Kerrville, Texas

Bill Burgess from Adkins, Texas*

Scott Schackelford from Spring Branch, Texas

Gerald Wolff from Kerrville, Texas

Danny "Pigpen" Price from Tucson, Arizona*

Reese Wellmann from Cub Hill,  Maryland*

Rocky Graziano from Springfield, Virginia

Steve Bisbikis from Ramona, California

Sammy De Los Santos from Adkins, Texas*

Wayne Westphal from Hunt, Texas

Peter Kolopenuk from Wethskiwin, AB Canada

Paul Demianiw from Winnipeg, MB Canada

Tom Shess from San Diego, California

Jim Fleming from Snomish, Washington

Lew Decker from San Diego, California

*also played together on the 70-and-over San Antonio Texans last week at the senior World Series

Reflections from an old ballplayer

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series


There is a moment in time every year when I pack my gear, load my car and journey the 100 miles from Tucson to Phoenix to play in the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

It's always in mid-October and the players arrive to play the game they love -- baseball. Over 3,000 players and 330 teams from all over the country live a dream for a week. Only a hand full have played pro ball. The majority are amateurs, men who have the chance to play at all the spring training facilities in and around Phoenix -- from Goodyear to Surprise. From Tempe, to Mesa, to Peoria.

There are divisions for 18-year-olds and all the way, would you believe, to a 73-and-over division. Yes, every player wants to be on a winning team -- on a team that takes home a championship ring, but, more importantly, it's the camaraderie and the friendships they obtain throughout the week.

I've made the journey to the MSBL World Series 11 times. I've now run out of divisions. At 73, I get a chance to take the field and play one more time. Even at my age I still get anxious and toss and turn every night, waiting impatiently for the next game.

And then the game begins and I await my next chance at a ground ball, a fly ball or the experience of turning a double play or getting the winning hit. I enjoy the time in the dugout, hashing over stories with my teammates -- discussing our college days, or recalling the pro players we've had a chance to meet, play with, and against -- and all the shenanigans we have experienced during those youthful times.

At my age, time is passing quickly. And so it is with my MSBL World Series adventure. In a few days, the games will be complete, the rings and the trophies will be handed out and I'll say goodbye to all my teammates.

Every year, I think to myself will I be back? Is there another year in me? Can I put my body through this again? As October rolls around in 2019, I'll say "yes, I can."

The really old guys at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

The San Antonio Red Sox

The only player from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers playing for the 73-and-over San Antonio Red Sox this week at the MSBL World Series in Phoenix is Danny "Pigpen" Price -- 4th player from the left, front row.

The San Antonio Red Sox play the Virgin Islands on Tuesday at Riverview Park, the Chicago Cubs Spring Training Facility.

Tucson Toros remain unbeaten at MSBL World Series at 3-0

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros

The Tucson Toros remained unbeaten at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series with a 7-3 win over the Colorado Stars. The Toros, made up of players from 60-and-over-teams from the Tucson area -- including the Old Pueblo Club, the Arizona Rattlers and two players from the Tucson Old Timers (Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky), move to 3-0 in the 65-and-over Cactus division.

Tino Neveraz, from the Arizona Rattlers, pitched for the Toros today and picked up the win. Tim Tolson, from the Tucson Old Timers, went 1 for 4 and drove in two key runs in the eighth inning.

Opocensky, who went into today's game with a .500 batting average after two games, was 0 for 4 this afternoon.

"I was a little too anxious at the plate today," Opocensky said.

The Toros played at Fitch Park in Mesa today and now move to Goodyear Stadium tomorrow for a 10:00 a.m game against the Milwaukee Braves. Goodyear is the spring training home of the Cincinnati Reds and the Cleveland Indians.

73-and-over San Antonio Red Sox lose MSBL World Series opener to Sacramento Stars, 14-6

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

73-and-over division

The San Antonio Texans lost their Men's Senior Baseball League opener 14-6 to the Sacramento Stars today at Hohokam Park in Mesa.

Danny "Pigpen" Price, a member of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, went 2 for 4, knocked in two runs, turned two double plays and threw out a runner at home.

Wayne Westphal, from Hunt, Texas, led the Texans with three hits. Reese Wellmann, from Cub Hill, Maryland, who finished his play with three hits in his last game last week in the 70-and-over division, had a hit his first time up today to continue his hot hitting for the tournament. Bill Burgess and Sammy De Los Santos, both from Adkins, Texans, pitched well with six innings of relief pitching in the middle innings, unfortunately the Texans trailed 9-0 in the third and couldn't put enough runs on the scoreboard to pick up a win.

The Texans tried to bounce back and outscored the Stars 6-5 from the third inning on.

The next game for the Texans is on Tuesday, at 2 p.m. against the Virgin Islands at Riverview Park in Mesa, the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs.

Photo: Pigpen Price

Tucson Toros win 2nd straight game at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus Division

Tucson Toros


The Tucson Toros moved to 2-0 at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series with a 10-4 win over the Chicago Grays. Arnold Mares, who plays year around with the 60-and-over Tucson Old Pueblo Club, was the winning picture today with six solid innings of work.

Joe Opocensky and Tim Tolson, both from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, played well for the second day in a row. Opocensky went 1 for 2 with two sacrifice fly outs and a run scored, while Tolson went 1 for 4 and knocked in a run.

Dodgers beat Brewers 5-1 to win NLCS

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series


It's official.

The LA Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox will battle it out in the 2018 World Series. The last time the two teams met in the World Series was 1916.

Cody Bellinger hit a two-run homer and Yasiel Puig hit a three-run shot as the Dodger won 5-1 over the Brewers in Milwaukee yesterday to win Game 7 of the National League Championship Series.

El Paso Sunkings stun Terre Haute Volkers 20-13 in MSBL World Series final

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over Central Division Championship Game


The El Paso Sunkings stunned the Terre Haute Volkers 20-13 in the 70-and-over Central Division final at Riverview Park yesterday in Mesa. The Volkers reached the final after a 9-2 win over the San Antonio Texans in the semifinal on Friday.

Congrats, to the Sunkings.

One point short

Arizona Wildcats Football


Arizona ran the ball well with 259 yards rushing and RhettRod threw for 231 yards and two touchdowns in his first start, but the Wildcats were one-point short as UCLA won Saturday on their home turf, 31-30.

The Wildcats fall to 2-3 in the Pac-12 Conference and 3-5 overall.

JJ Taylor rushed 19 times for 154 yards and a score, while Gary Brightwell carried the ball 15 times for 121 yards. Arizona out-pointed the Bruins in total yards (520-460).

Tough loss. Next up: Oregon on Saturday at Arizona Stadium.

Tolson, Opocensky lead Tucson Toros to a win in MSBL World Series opener

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

65-and-over Cactus division

Tucson Toros

Tim Tolson and Joe Opocensky, two players from the Tucson Old Timers, led the 65-and-over Tucson Toros to a 13-3 win today over the Ohio Legends in first round action at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

Tolson went 3 for 4 and scored two runs, while Opocensky went 2 for 4 and scored a run.

"We had a pretty easy game today, but we play a tough team tomorrow," said Opocensky, after the game.

The Tucson Toros take on the Chicago Grays in Game 2 at Mesa Riverview Park at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Riverview is the spring training home of the Chicago Cubs.

The Toros are comprised mostly of players from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Pueblo Club and Tolson and Opocensky, who represent the 60-and-over TOTS.

Photos: (top) Tolson, (bottom) Opocensky.

Texans battle but fall short in MSBL semi-final

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over Central division

San Antonio Texans


The San Antonio Texans battled but fell short today at the Arizona Diamondbacks Salt River Complex and lost 9-2 to the Terre Haute Volkers in the 70-and-over Central division semi-finals of the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

The Texans had runners on base in five of the nine innings, but scored only two runs --one from Bob Daliege in the second inning and a run from Pigpen Price in the third. Both players reached base on singles.

Reese Wellmann from Cub Hill, Maryland, led the Texans with three hits today.

Daliege led the Tucson connection (five players from the Tucson Old Timers) with 11 hits  in 21 at bats in six games. The Texans finished fourth in pool play at the senior World Series and 3-3 overall.

The Texans made the finals in 2017, but fell short this year. Still a good showing from the Texans.

Bill Mishler, Lloyd Barzell, Pete Peters and Daliege head back to Tucson night, while Price remains and will play next week in the 73-and-over division. Price will play for another Texas team -- the San Antonio Red Sox.

Congrats to Red Sox

Major League Baseball

The Road to the World Series


J.D. Martinez hit a solo shot and Rafael Devers added a three-run homer as Boston advances to the World Series after a 4-1 win tonight over the Astros in Houston. Boston takes the American League Championship Series four games to one.

David Price picked up his first win in postseason play, while Justin Verlander absorbs the loss.

Congrats to the Red Sox.

Texans qualify for playoffs at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over Central Division

San Antonio Texans

It's official.

The San Antonio Texans are one of four teams to make the playoffs in the 70-and-over Central Division and gain the fourth seed for the playoffs in the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series, which gets underway on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Arizona Diamondbacks Spring Training Facility in Scottsdale.

The Texans, who lost a close one today in Surprise 14-12 to the Philadelphia Mustangs, ended up in a three-way tie for third place in the five-game round robin, but gained the final seed in the playoffs due to a tiebreaker which considers total runs allowed as a factor in determining a qualifier.

San Antonio will meet the top seed, the Volkers, in the semi-finals. The Volkers, a team from Terre Haute, Indiana, beat the Texans 12-5 earlier in the tournament. The Volkers were a perfect 5-0 in the Central Division.

In today's game at the Kansas City Royals Spring Training Complex, centerfielder Bill Mishler threw out two runners at second base -- his second and third assists of the tournament, while Lloyd "Baby Bull" Barzell broke out of a mini slump with a gapper to left-center field and picked up a key walk. Teammate Bob Daliege continues his hot streak at the tournament with two more hits today and leads all of the Tucson connection with nine hits in 17 official trips to the plate.

Pete Peters picked up a solid single today and Pigpen Price collected an infield single, walked and scored a run.

All five players from Tucson -- Daliege, Mishler, Price, Peters and Barzell -- are all in good shape and ready for their sixth game in five days on Friday afternoon in Scottsdale.

Mark Longenbaugh, from Kerrville, Texas, will pitch for the Texans in the semi-final. Longenbaugh is 1-0 in the tournament. Peters will be doing the catching in the semi final as the Texans are just two wins away from a championship ring.


Photos: Bill "The Man with the Golden Arm" Mishler (top), Lloyd "Baby Bull" Barzell. Team Photo: The 2018 MSBL World Series team -- the San Antonio Texans.

Texans fall to 3-1 at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over division

San Antonio Texans

The San Antonio Texans lost to Indiana 12-5 today in Scottsdale to fall from the unbeaten ranks at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series. The loss left the Texans with a 3-1 record with one game remaining in the five-game round robin.

The Texans take on the Philadelphia Mustangs in Surprise tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. at the Kansas City Royals Spring Training Facility. The Texans need to finish in the top four of the 70-and-over Central division. A win tomorrow would assure them a spot in the playoffs, while a loss could throw them into a tiebreaker and the third and fourth seeds could be decided by the total number of runs allowed in the five-game round robin.

So far the Texans have allowed just 25 runs in the first four games.

In today's game Bob Daliege pitched 5 1/3 innings and was saddled with the loss, but did have two hits to help his cause and now has seven hits in 13 trips to the plate to lead all five players from Tucson.

"I'm seeing the ball well and making good contact," Daliege said, after today's game.

Bill Mishler had two hits today and now has three for the tournament, while Pigpen Price picked up his third hit today and scored the first run of the game. Mishler scored twice and Daliege scored once.

Catcher Pete Peters continues to play well in the batter's box and behind the plate. Peters has six hits in the senior World Series and has snagged three pop ups from behind the plate. Shortstop Lloyd Barzell, the fifth player from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, has played well defensively in all five games.

The team from Terre Haute, Indiana is the only team left unbeaten in the 70-and-over Central division, while the San Antonio Texans and the Ohio Classics are tied for second with 3-1 records. If the Texans qualify for the playoffs they will play on Friday and the championship game is scheduled for Saturday at Riverview Park in Mesa.

The New England Red Sox, a team the Texans beat on Monday 12-5, surprised the Ohio Classics today 21-4, leaving only one team unbeaten in the division. Former major league pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee pitched for New England today.

Photo: Bob Daliege

San Antonio 70-and-over Texans move to 3-0 at MSBL World Series

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over division

San Antonio Texans


Lefty Bill Burgess from Atkins, Texas, pitched six strong innings today in Tempe, Arizona in the first game of a doubleheader to lead the San Antonio Texans to a 9-7 win over Tri Valley, a team from northern California, and right-hander Mark Longenbaugh, from Kerrville, Texas, hurled six strong innings in the second game en route to a 13-1 win for the Texans over a team from Seattle, Washington at the Men's Senior Baseball League World Series.

The two wins improved the Texans record to 3-0 in the prestigious amateur baseball tournament, which is played every October at all the Major League Spring Training facilities in and around Phoenix, Arizona. The MSBL World Series includes more than 3,000 players and 330 teams with age divisions ranging from 18-and-over all the way to 73-and-over.

In the first game today, things got a little dicey in the bottom of the 8th inning as Tri Valley put together a rally and had the bases loaded with two outs and the tying run on second and the winning run on first base. Catcher Pete Peters and third baseman Pigpen Price, both from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, hooked up on a pick-off play. Peter's throw was right on the money to Price at third who tagged the runner for the final out of the game.

In the second game, Longenbaugh cruised through the early innings before giving way to reliever Tom Keyser in the 7th inning. Keyser shutout the Seattle Mariners the rest of the way as the Texans picked up their third win in the tournament.

Daliege leads the Tucson connection (players from the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers, which also includes Bill Mishler, Lloyd Barzell, Price and Peters) after three games with 5 hits in 10 at bats. All five players have now hit safely in the tournament.

The San Antonio Texans play their fourth game of the World Series on Wednesday at the Arizona Diamondbacks/Colorado Rockies Spring Training Complex (Salt River Field D5) in Scottsdale. The Texans take on a team from Terre Haute, Indiana. The game gets underway at 9:30 a.m.

San Antonio beats New England in MSBL World Series opener

Men's Senior Baseball League World Series

70-and-over division



The San Antonio Texans won their 2018 MSBL World Series opener at Riverview Park in Mesa today with a 12-5 victory over the New England Red Sox.

Darlan Brin, from the Virgin Islands, started for San Antonio and pitched five innings, while Bob Daliege tossed three innings of relief to pick up the save. Peter Peters went 2 for 4, Pigpen Price went 1 for 2 with a walk and two runs-batted-in, Bill Mishler walked three times and scored a run, while Lloyd Barzell picked up an RBI.

Daliege, Peters, Price, Mishler and Barzell are members of the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers.

Joe Jimenez, who plays for the 60-and-over Tucson Old Pueblo Club, started for New England and was saddled with the loss.

San Antonio will play a doubleheader on Tuesday with a game at 9 a.m. inside Tempe Diablo Stadium against Tri Valley, followed by a 12:30 game at Tempe Annex Field #1 against Seattle.

Note: San Antonio had the pleasure of playing against former Major League pitcher Bill "Spaceman" Lee today. Lee played first base today for the New England Red Sox. Lee played 14 years in the majors with Boston and Montreal. He won 119 games.

Tate-less Wildcats fall to Utes

Arizona Wildcats Football


It took til the seventh game of the season, but the injury to quarterback Khalil Tate finally became too much to overcome tonight in Salt Lake City. After a few token snaps with Jamarye Joiner behind center, coach Kevin Sumlin finally went to Rhett Rodriquez.

As for the score, a lopsided 42-10 win for the Utah Utes as Arizona falls to 3-4 overall and 2-2 in the Pac-12 Conference.

As for Rodriquez, the son of former Wildcat coach Rich Rodriquez, he tried to right the ship a bit, going 20 for 38 for 226 yards -- including a fourth-quarter 42-yard TD pass to Cedric Peterson.

Urtaza supplies a walk-off win

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

For five innings right-hander Pete Maldonado tossed a shutout, and his team backed him up with several defensive gems. Unfortunately, the 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers play seven innings.

Team White busted open the 7-0 shutout with four runs in the sixth inning and four more in the seventh to steal a win from Team Blue today at Udall Park. The game-winning run was produced not by a gapper to the fence or by a fly ball over the head of the outfielders but from a slow roller to third base by 76-year-old Miguel Urtaza.

With the score knotted at 7-7, Team Blue third baseman Reed Palmer elected to throw home to force out the runner Mike Griffo, but the throw home was late, and the runner scored to give Team White an 8-7 win while a happy Urtaza reached first base safely and began celebrating his walk-off win.

"A walk-off win," said a smiling Urtaza. "I've never had one of those before."

Right-hander Joe Opocensky pitched all seven innings for Team White to pick up the pitching victory, while Maldonado was saddled with the loss after posting nothing but goose eggs on the scoreboard for five straight innings.

The top play of the day went to another old-timer, 77-year-old Jerry Hamelin, who made a nice grab in left field for Team Blue to snuff out a Team White rally in the fourth inning.



Photo: Urtaza

Yankees eliminated

Major League Baseball

Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

American League Division Series (Best of five)


The Boston Red Sox eliminated the Yankees in New York tonight with a 4-3 victory to win the American League Division Series three games to one. Ian Kinsler, former standout at Tucson Canyon del Oro High School, contributed a single and knocked one of the four runs for the Red Sox.

Boston will have the home field advantage throughout the ALCS. The first game against the Houston Astros is scheduled for Saturday at Fenway Park.

Dodgers have a date with Milwaukee in NLCS

Major League Baseball

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

National League Division Series (Best of five)


Manny Machado hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning and the LA Dodgers eliminate the Braves in Atlanta today with a 6-2 win to take the National League Division series three games to one.

And now it's on to Milwaukee and a date with the Brewers in the National League Championship Series on Friday night.

Houston advances to ALCS

Major League Baseball

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

American League Division Series (Best of five)


George Springer hit two home runs and Carlos Correa added another as Houston rolled over the Braves 11-3 in Atlanta today to sweep the ALDS three games to none.

Houston takes a breather and awaits the survivor of the Boston Red Sox/New York Yankees matchup in the other ALDS.

Brewers sweep Rockies

Major League Baseball

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

National League Division Series (best-of-five)

The Milwaukee Brewers advance to National League Championship Series with a 6-0 shutout of the Colorado Rockies today at Coors Field. The Brewers make it a clean sweep with three straight wins over the Rockies and await the winner of the National League Division Series matchup between the LA Dodgers and the Atlanta Braves.

Young, Arizona defense lifts Cats to Pac-12 win

Arizona Wildcats Football


The Arizona offense struggled, but the defense came through big time with three interceptions and a fumble recovery to ignite a 24-17 upset over the California Bears tonight at Arizona Stadium.

Arizona safety Scottie Young's interception and return for a score from 24 yards out with 3:13 remaining in the fourth quarter helped seal the deal for the Wildcats.

Young ended up with two interceptions on the night, while teammate Colin Schooler came up with another interception. Schooler picked off a pass at the California 20-yard line, ran the ball back 46 yards and then fumbled.  The ball ended up in the hands of Arizona's Azizi Hearns, who completed the crazy touchdown play with three minutes remaining in the third quarter to give the Wildcats the lead at 17-14.

Arizona improves to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the Pac-12 South.

Palmer breaks TOTS single-season home record....again

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Reed Palmer went 3 for 3 and hit a two-run homer -- his 23rd round-tripper of the season, to lead Team Blue to a 6-5 win over Team White today in a 60-and-over Tucson Old Timers game at Udall Park.

Palmer's blast broke the club's single-season home record and the hard-hitting lefty still has close to three months left in the season -- plenty of time to add to the record.

Mike Dawson and Ron Ryan had three hits apiece for Team White. Dawson and Palmer pitched complete games with Palmer getting the win and Dawson the loss.

The TOTS return to action on Monday at Udall. Game time: 9 a.m.

Photo: Palmer

Yankees win AL Wild Card game

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

AL Wild Card Game


Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton hit home runs and the Yankees pound Oakland 7-2 in New York tonight to win the AL Wild Card game to advance to the next round of the playoffs and a date in Boston on Friday against the Red Sox.

The final eight: Rockies and Brewers; Braves and Dodgers; Cleveland and Houston; Yankees and Red Sox.

Thompson the TOTS' top gun in September

Tucson Old Timers (TOTS)

60-and-over baseball

Doc Thompson, 76, was on fire at the plate during the month of September. Thompson burned the TOTS' pitching staff for 22 hits in 35 at bats for a hefty .629 batting average and led the club in RBI with 17.

If Thompson was on fire, Lloyd Barzell, 68, was certainly smoldering -- finishing second in hits for the month with 16 hits in 34 at bats -- a .471 average. Barzell led the club in runs scored with 16.

Seven other players reached double digits in hits for the month. Tim Tolson and Mike Dawson went 15 for 26, while Mike Steele collected 12 hits in 26 at bats. Pigpen Price went 11 for 27, Pete Maldonado went 11 for 25, John Mathews collected 10 hits in 23 at bats and Dennis Crowley banged out 10 hits in 26 at bats.

Dawson and Crowley were the top pitchers for the month -- both with identical 2-1 records.

September was another hot and humid month. The TOTS should enjoy cooler weather in October. The TOTS first official game for October ended up in an 8-8 tie this morning at Udall. The next game is scheduled for Friday. Game time: 9 a.m.

Rockies get it done

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

NL Wild Card Game


Tony Wolters singled home the game-winner in the top of the 13th inning in Chicago last night and the Colorado Rockies advance to the best-of-five National League series on Thursday in Milwaukee with a 2-1 thriller over the Cubbies.

Rockies at Cubs, A's at Yankees

The Road to the 2018 MLB World Series

MLB Wild Cards


Milwaukee and the LA Dodgers won their respective tiebreakers today. The Brewers won 3-1 over the Cubs in Chicago to capture the NL Central and the Dodgers knocked off the Rockies in LA 5-2 to win the NL West.

The Wild Card games are now set with the Rockies traveling to Wrigley Field to face the Cubs on Tuesday night, while the Oakland A's head for New York and a Wednesday night meeting with the Yankees.